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Unbeaten Italy face Slovenia test

The UEFA European Under-21 Championship restarts on Friday with a tough test for holders Italy in Slovenia.

Italian test
So far five teams have started by taking six points from their opening two matches: holders Italy, Romania, Portugal, England and Croatia. The Italians can cement their position at the top of Group 5 if they win in Slovenia, but will likely face their most difficult test yet as Slovenia are also unbeaten, with four points from two games.

Bright starts
Of the other sides to have made bright starts, Romania will look for a third successive victory in Group 1 when they visit the Czech Republic, while Group 6 leaders England will hope for the same from their 'derby' against Wales in Norwich. Croatia in Group 8 are at home against Bulgaria, but Portugal do not return to action until next Tuesday's home match against Russia in Setubal.

First night
Elsewhere, Milorad Kosanovic's first game as coach of this year's beaten finalists Serbia and Montenegro comes with a trip to neighbours and Group 7 rivals Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Germany become the final team to begin their qualifying programme travelling to Azerbaijan.

UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers
8 October 2004
* Matches to be played on 9 October